A prisoner who was on remand for attempted murder has now been jailed for life after killing another inmate inside HMP Nottingham.
Brutal prison attack leaves inmate dead
Andrew Thorpe, 38, was awaiting trial after stabbing a man during a fake drugs deal when he launched a savage attack on fellow prisoner Jonathon Thornton. Thorpe beat Thornton in a shower block on June 28 last year, causing a catastrophic brain injury. Thornton died in hospital two weeks later.
Racist remark triggered deadly assault
Nottingham Crown Court heard how Thorpe carried out the attack after Thornton allegedly made a racist comment about “not liking black men”. Thorpe later told investigators he wanted to “teach him a lesson” and send a message to others inside the jail.
Killer sentenced to life behind bars
Thorpe denied both murder and attempted murder but was found guilty by a jury. He has now been jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 35 years before being considered for parole. He also admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine after drugs were found during the investigation.
Previous victim lucky to survive knife ambush
Thorpe was initially on remand for a horrific stabbing in Edwalton, Nottinghamshire, on May 29, 2024. Wearing a ski mask, he lured victim Declan Hales into a fake drug deal before repeatedly stabbing him. Judge Nirmal Shant KC said it was only the victim’s quick thinking that stopped the attack from becoming another murder.
Police: ‘Thorpe is an extremely dangerous man’
Detective Constable Emily Whiteside described Thorpe as “very dangerous”, saying Nottinghamshire is a safer place with him locked away. She said: “The nature of the Edwalton attack was horrendous, and a murder inquiry was sadly necessary just a few weeks later after Thorpe killed a fellow prisoner.”
